Saugus Tree Lighting draws huge crowd

Wednesday

Dec 6, 2017 at 8:00 AM

By Neil Zolotsaugus@wickedlocal.com

Hundreds of people jammed Saugus Center for the annul Tree Lighting ceremony and to greet Santa Claus on Friday.

“People look forward to this and every year it gets bigger,” Board of Selectmen Chairman Debra Panetta said while standing on the Town Hall steps accompanied by the other members. “Years ago it wasn’t like this.”

Julie Mitchell of the Youth and Recreation Commission and Tree Lighting Committee called the turnout “a great crowd.”

Paul Petkewich of the Youth and Recreation Commission attributed the large number of people to the relatively warm weather.

The atmosphere was festive with kids enjoying two bouncy houses flanking Town Hall and others having free hot cider courtesy of the True Vine Church.

“People are having a great time,” said True Vine Church Pastor Brandon Allison.

Santa arrived on a sleigh pulled by horses provided by Krochmal Farms of Tewskbury, driven by Lou Morin. Owner John Cave described the event as “awesome.”

Santa, played by former Belmonte Middle School Principal Charlie Naso, eventually made his way to the Town Hall auditorium to greet children and pose for pictures.

“This is excellent,” Santa said. “It always is.”

Santa was flanked by elves, one of whom was 11-year-old Jake D’Eon, son of Selectman Jennifer D'Eon.

“It's a little cold but there was a bigger turnout,” Jake said. “I can tell.”

Jake also told the Advertiser he'd seen a lot of friends attend the Tree Lighting festivities.

Additional highlights included a petting zoo, cookies, holiday music hay rides, story time and trackless train rides.

Ally D'Eon, a freshman at Saugus High School, spent the night painting the faces of youths in the Town Hall auditorium. She remembered being on the other side of the activity when younger.